by Cathy Marie Hake, Lynn A. Coleman, Mary Davis, Susan Page Davis
“Perhaps you just solved your own dilemma.” Sylvia waved her hands and sighed. “I can’t exactly sit by and let you do this alone.”
“You’re coming with me?”
“I suppose I am.”
“And Fletcher will be all right if you leave him?”
“He’ll be fine. He’s sleeping. Let me run inside and make sure he has everything he needs. Then we’ll make our plans. We don’t want to get over there too early either. We need to do this under the protection of dusk.”
“Sylvia—”
“Yes?” Hollan’s friend stopped and turned around.
“Thank you.”
“Sweetheart, I don’t want you to take responsibility for what we’re about to do. I’m doing this for you, yes, but also for your mother, Fletcher, and myself. I’m doing this for all of us. I want the man responsible for hurting my son behind bars.”
Hollan smiled. “I understand. And I intend to do my best to see that happen, too.”
Chapter 16
We need to put in here,” Hollan whispered. “We don’t want David’s crew to see us if anyone’s on watch.”
“I hardly think you need to whisper, Hollan. We’re in the middle of a marsh.”
“Must you remind me?” Hollan shuddered. If the reeds, taller than their boat, didn’t clue her in, the stench of the stagnant water surely did. “Maybe I’m whispering so the creatures don’t know we’re here. Maybe it has nothing to do with David and his men hearing us.”
Sylvia laughed. Hollan’s nerves were shot, and she said crazy things when she was stressed and tired.
They’d commandeered Fletcher’s supply boat for the trip. Sylvia was accustomed to piloting the flat-bottomed boat. She felt it would allow them to skirt the shallower water and hug the shore more closely. It would also hold the most supplies. Sylvia had been right on every count. Hollan knew she’d made the right decision when she invited the woman along.
They worked together to guide the front of the boat alongside the shore around the bend from where David’s men had placed their boats. The watery ground was marshy. Hollan pushed back her fears of snakes and alligators and maneuvered the flatboat deep into the swaying reeds and grasses. They were able to secure the boat mostly out of sight. Hollan jumped into the water, saturating her boots, and tied the vessel to a low-lying tree.
“Tie both ends of the boat securely, dear. Otherwise it will swing back and forth and might work its way loose. We don’t want it to be damaged.”
Hollan shuddered. “You’re right. I want to be sure we have a way off this island.”
After doing what Sylvia told her, Hollan helped the older woman off the boat. They gathered their supplies. Sylvia had prepared well for the expedition. They were stocked with weapons, food, and various types of gear, the use of which Hollan didn’t even understand.
The sun sat low on the horizon.
“Tell me what you have planned before we leave here,” Sylvia requested. “We might not be able to talk as freely later.”
“Well, I’d hoped to be here much earlier than this. But since you and I wasted time chatting—”
“Planning and preparing, dear. That wasn’t a waste of time.”
“Whatever you want to call it, it set us way off track,” Hollan replied.
“Not necessarily. The dusk will keep us covered. They’re drinking men. They should be well into their indulgences by now.”
Which will put us into even greater danger if we get caught. Hollan felt responsible for Sylvia’s well-being. It was one thing to deal with evil men. It was another thing entirely to deal with drunken evil men.
Hollan nodded. “I suppose we’d best be on our way.”
“Let’s pray first.”
Sylvia said a quick prayer for their safety and for justice to be served. As soon as she finished, she motioned to Hollan with her hand. “Lead the way. I’d like to get out of here before nightfall.”
“Me, too.” Hollan didn’t need to be asked twice. She was in her least favorite place on the island. The swampy, marshy grounds were home to all sorts of creatures she didn’t want to think about, let alone meet. She avoided the area like the plague in broad daylight, so being here after dark was a nightmare.
They didn’t talk; they just made haste while walking through the scrub. Hollan pushed through far more spiderwebs than she wanted to think about. Her skin crawled as she wondered about the spiders that lived in the webs. The cooler weather might have chased them off, but she couldn’t be sure.
She did a little jig as she walked.
Sylvia’s soft laugh flowed through the evening air. “You’re fine, Hollan. I see no spiders on your dress or hair.” She knew about Hollan’s fear of spiders, and she also knew how much Hollan hated this area.
The older woman clucked her tongue. “Love certainly is a mysterious thing.”
“Pardon?” Hollan called over her shoulder, not slowing her pace.
“I know how you feel about this area. Yet you’re willing to brave it for Jacob.”
“I’m braving it in order to right the wrongs David has brought upon our families.”
“How far do you plan to go?” Sylvia was out of breath. Hollan needed to slow her pace for the older woman.
“Not much farther. We’re nearly at the end of the island now.”
“And what are we doing here?”
Hollan stopped a few feet away. “We’ll set up a bonfire.” She moved her arms in an arc, gesturing toward the beach. The moon was climbing upward, reflecting off the water. Stars studded the sky. The only sound was that of the water lapping gently against the shore.
“Why here?” Sylvia frowned.
“We’re at the bay end of the island. If any ships come through here tonight, they’ll be able to see where we are. Even better, the outlaws shouldn’t be able to see us. We might not have use of the lighthouse, but we can warn the ships’ captains of the island’s danger from here.”
“Good idea.”
They busied themselves with gathering all the driftwood they could find.
“I want the fire to be big so it can be seen and so the outlaws can’t easily put it out if they do see it.”
“Another good idea.”
They placed Spanish moss throughout the wood, and Hollan set it on fire. The fire flared, dimmed, and as she held her breath, flared again. Suddenly it caught and made its way through the pile of wood.
“It’s magnificent!” Hollan trilled. “And the warmth feels wonderful against the night’s chill.”
“Indeed it does.” Sylvia stared out over the darkened beach. “Only one problem comes to mind.”
“What’s that?” Hollan asked, turning to look at Sylvia with a smile. No problem could possibly dim her satisfaction now. She’d reached her goal to warn the sailors. Anyone drifting along the shore would see the bonfire and veer away from the land. Their main task had been accomplished.
“A large and very angry group of men seems to be headed our way.”
Hollan looked up, and her heart leaped into her throat. Sylvia spoke the truth, and they didn’t have time to hide. The men carried torches, and according to their well-defined silhouettes, they also carried very big guns.
Jacob couldn’t wait to get his hands on Hollan. He glanced at her father, wondering how the man had ever survived her. “I specifically told her to stay with Sylvia.”
“Yes, you said to stay with Sylvia, which is exactly what she did.” Gunter’s forehead was creased with worry, but admiration for his daughter’s spunk put a spark in his eyes. “In time, son, you’ll learn to be more careful when choosing your words.”
“I chose my words carefully this morning. Hollan deliberately chose to ignore them and twist them to her own benefit.”
“Yes.”
“Yes? That’s all you have to say about it?” Jacob stomped along the path. The group of men walking with them tailed behind. They couldn’t hear the conversation between Gunter and Jacob.
“You should know Hollan well enough by now to know she doesn’t take well to direct commands.”
“I’m her husband.”
“And I’m her father. Apparently those two facts don’t mean a lot to her when the time comes to make her decisions. Hollan has always acted first and thought later.”
“We’ll be changing that as soon as I have her safe.”
Gunter’s only response was an annoying chuckle. “We’ll see about that, Jacob. The girl has a mind of her own.”
Jacob sighed and pushed his hair back from his face. “I know. And I love her for it. I just don’t like it when she puts herself in danger.”
“God has His hand on you both. He won’t fail Hollan—or us—now.”
“You’re right.” Jacob sighed. “It’s just that she makes me crazy with worry when she pulls a stunt like this. I want her home safe, knitting or sewing like a normal woman, but here she is ready to take on a band of roving privateers!”
“I would imagine that when Hollan continues to see her faith is safe with you, Jacob, she’ll learn to settle down and let you lead.”
“I certainly hope so, sir. I can’t take much more of this.”
“Meaning?” Gunter raised an eyebrow.
“Meaning, I want my wife safe at home.”
“I understand. And I think we’ll get her there tonight.”
The sheriff walked up to join them. “Any idea what Hollan and Sylvia would have planned?”
“I know she was worried about the lighthouse not being lit. She wanted the seafarers to remain safe. She hated that the light was off during most of the war. She was also worried the men would destroy the cottage and everything in it.”
They continued to work their way along the beach. The boats were pulled ashore just as they’d been the night before. It didn’t seem as if Jonathon had been replaced by another guard.
Jacob glanced at Hollan’s father. The man was pale but hanging in there. “Gunter, what do you think the chances are that David hasn’t even missed Jonathon?”
“Pretty fair, I’d say, based on the fact that no one’s been sent in his place.”
They wove around the boats and continued along the shore, heading for the far end of the island.
The sheriff looked at Jacob again. “Which concern of your wife’s would be the priority?”
“I think she’d worry first about the safety of others. My guess is she’ll take care of the lighthouse situation first.”
“Would she try to get into the lighthouse? Surely she’d know she’d be trapped inside as soon as the light was lit.”
Jacob’s heart dropped to his toes. What if his brother recreated the situation he’d been in with Hollan’s mother? Jacob would throttle Hollan if she survived this! He’d never felt so much concern for another person. He couldn’t lose her. Not now. Not after everything they’d been through. Not ever.
“You look ready to take on the outlaws single-handedly,” Gunter observed.
“I feel like I could do just that. If they hurt Hollan …”
“She’ll be fine, son. We’re here now, and we’ll find them. And although Hollan is contrary and impetuous, she’s also very smart. She won’t allow herself to be boxed into a corner.”
“So how do you think she’ll protect the lighthouse without endangering herself?” Jacob hoped with everything in him that Gunter was right.
“I believe—if I know my daughter—she’ll set a bonfire on the beach.”
“A bonfire, huh?” Sheriff Roberts rubbed his chin. “The fire would warn any captain of the island’s dangers.”
Jacob pointed ahead. “And it would lead my brother directly to Hollan’s side.”
“What do we do now?” Hollan panicked. “My plan was that we’d set the fire and then move away the other direction. We’d go into hiding and make the next plan.”
“I think we better figure out another plan and fast.” Sylvia’s voice was shaky.
They’d left their weapons in the trees. They couldn’t get them now. In unison, they began to back away.
“We could always turn around and run for it.”
Sylvia’s laugh held no humor. “Yes, we’d run with a throng of angry men chasing after us with guns. We’d not likely get very far.”
“Then we stand tall and go out fighting.”
“I don’t much like that plan either. Don’t you have anything else?”
“No. I have nothing.”
The men were getting closer. Hollan reached over and took Sylvia’s hand. Not the most heroic gesture, but she drew comfort from her friend’s presence.
“We need to pray!” The urgency in Sylvia’s voice sent a chill down Hollan’s spine.
Hollan heard Sylvia whisper a prayer for their safety. The words had no meaning in Hollan’s terrified brain. She didn’t want to be in David’s custody again, especially now. He’d surely be angry about the ship going aground and about their escape.
The men continued to move closer.
“I’m starting to think we made a really bad decision in coming here.”
The sneers on the men’s faces scared Hollan to her toes.
“You’re just starting to think that? I came to that conclusion when we first saw the throng of men coming our way.”
The men neared the far side of the bonfire. Suddenly, as quickly as they’d appeared, they stopped and started to back away.
“Pray again, Sylvia, I think your prayers are working.”
“I’ve already said my prayer, Hollan. I don’t need to repeat myself to God.”
The men looked wary and then alarmed. They turned heel and began to run.
“I don’t understand.”
“Me, either.” Sylvia laughed. “But I like it!”
“I do, too.” Hollan grinned with relief. “If and when we get out of this situation, let’s not ever get ourselves into another.”
A deep male voice whispered into Hollan’s ear, “Is that a promise?”
Hollan screamed.
Jacob leaned around her. “Don’t be afraid, Hollan. It’s only me.”
“You?” Hollan spun around. Her father, the sheriff, Uncle Edward—and almost every man from town—formed a line that stretched across the beach.
“Papa.” Her father grinned at her. He didn’t seem too angry. Jacob, on the other hand—he seemed angry enough for the both of them. He was possibly angry enough for the entire group.
“Well, I guess now we know why they turned and ran.”
“Hollan. We’ll discuss this later.”
“That’s all right,” Hollan hedged. “We don’t really have to discuss it at all. Let’s just let bygones be bygones and start fresh like you said.”
“We will discuss this.” The fire reflected in his eyes and intensified the emerald-green color. His golden hair hung loose in wild curls that danced across his shoulders. He towered over her, looking every bit the outlaw rogue she’d imagined him to be on their wedding day.
A commotion up ahead interrupted their conversation.
“What is it?” Hollan stood on her tiptoes but still couldn’t see. Some of the men who had gone ahead returned.
“It seems the bonfire offered a much-needed diversion for the naval patrol. They were able to make landfall and sneak in behind David and his men. They’re rounding them up as we speak.”
A cheer rose up from Hollan’s friends.
“But how—?”
The sheriff walked up with a huge grin on his face. “They knew where David was all along. They only needed the perfect break to come in and overwhelm them. Hollan, your bonfire created that diversion.”
Hollan smirked at Jacob.
He quirked up the corner of his mouth and shrugged his shoulder.
Most of the men were drifting back the other direction. They were ready to head home.
Her father, Sylvia, and the sheriff walked ahead. Jacob and Hollan followed at a more leisurely pace.
“You know what this means.” Jacob took Hollan
’s hand in his own.
“We can go home.” Tears filled Hollan’s eyes as she said the words. “Finally, after everything that’s happened, we can go home.”
“I like the sound of that, wife.”
“That is, if we have a home left to go back to.”
“Our cottage is tougher than a few crusty outlaws.” Jacob smiled. “Our home will withstand more than that.” He stopped and pulled her into his arms. “More importantly … home for me is wherever you are.”
“Oh Jacob, that’s so sweet.” Hollan considered his words. “But it’s also very true. I feel the same exact way.”
Epilogue
Once again Hollan faced Jacob on a dune overlooking the ocean. This time nothing about the situation felt surreal. The wedding was the wedding of her dreams. And the man who stood beside her was as familiar to her as her own face. All of her loved ones stood alongside them to witness the event.
Their house—now put back in order after their adventure—and the untouched lighthouse stood sentry behind them. Samson ran between all the people, savoring their attention and happy to be back home.
The afternoon couldn’t have been more perfect for their ceremony. The seagulls serenaded as they flew overhead. The ever-present sound of the waves crashing onshore brought a familiar comforting reassurance. Hollan would never tire of the roar of the surf from the Atlantic Ocean. She couldn’t wait to wade along the tide line with her husband.
She turned her attention to the man at her side. She saw him clearly. She drank in his dimpled smile, his sparkling green eyes, and the way his golden hair blew in the wind. The sun silhouetted his broad shoulders and proved he wasn’t the skinny boy who’d left three years before. The planes of Jacob’s face had indeed changed with the years, but the changes were all for the better. And Hollan knew from recent experience that Jacob still didn’t like to stay indoors any more than necessary, which accounted for his sun-kissed skin.
Her uncle’s voice intruded on her musings. “Hollan. Jacob. I think we’re all about ready. Let’s do this ceremony right.”
“We’re ready, too,” Jacob said with a grin. He gently squeezed Hollan’s hand.